By Emmanuel Thomas l Wednesday, Oct 08
LAGOS – Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has called on Nigerians to reject voter apathy and exercise strict scrutiny when electing leaders in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
Agbakoba, a prominent legal practitioner and human rights activist, urged citizens to recognize the power of their ballot rather than resigning to the belief that political corruption renders voting useless.
In a statement addressing the political state of the nation, the senior advocate emphasized that the economic and social struggles facing the country are direct outcomes of past electoral decisions.
”With politics as corrupt as ever, it feels pointless to think our votes cannot make a difference. But as we approach this critical time, we need to choose our leaders carefully. In the past, our choices have not always served us well, and the consequences are evident in our daily lives,” Agbakoba stated.
Highlighting the stark contrast between the governing class and the citizenry, Agbakoba pointed out that a small group of politicians holds sway over millions of lives, making informed voting an urgent priority.
”Look around; some of the major issues we face include rising food costs, inadequate healthcare, a struggling education system, and a lack of job opportunities, especially for our growing youth population,” he noted.
“These challenges are significant, and the politicians we elect play a vital role in addressing them. However, with around 10,000 politicians among 220 million people, it’s clear that we hold the power to select our leaders. But do we truly get to decide?”
He warned voters against trade-offs and political indifference that surrender their democratic power to candidates who fail to act in the public interest.
”Too often, we may find ourselves unintentionally giving away our votes without recognizing their true value,” Agbakoba said. “Once we do, politicians can make decisions that do not align with our needs or interests. It is frustrating when those decisions negatively impact our lives, yet we forget that we had the opportunity to make smarter choices from the start.”
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the former NBA chief advised Nigerians to look beyond primordial sentiments, such as ethnicity and regional background, and instead focus on capacity, track record, and character.
”So here’s my advice: let’s be thoughtful when selecting our leaders, especially presidential candidates. We should focus on who can genuinely improve our lives,” he urged.
“It doesn’t matter where candidates come from or what they look like; what matters is their ability to lead with discipline, inspire change, and make a meaningful impact. We have the power to create change, and it begins with making informed choices at the ballot box.”
